Learn Perl, a powerful and easy-to-use scripting language used on PCs, servers, and on the Internet for a wide range of programming problems. Perl is as capable - and often as fast - as C, C++, and Java, but is easier to learn and does not require the sort of software development tools and environments required by those languages. Perl is also more portable and supported on a greater variety of computers than many other computing languages. Perl programming skills are especially valuable for Web developers, software developers, and system administrators.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader). In addition, you'll need access to a computer on which you can run the course software - the Perl interpreter and the Apache Web Server. The course supplies all necessary software for Windows. The software is also available (for free) for many other systems, including Mac OS X and Linux, although you'll need to download, install, and configure it yourself if you are running on one of those systems.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Nathan Meyers.

In over 20 years as a software developer, Nathan Meyers has used Perl extensively for PC and server applications. He has instructed courses in the corporate environment, on introductory Unix and on using programmable financial calculators. He is also the author of the Macmillan book "Java Programming on Linux", numerous conference papers, and articles in trade publications.

“ Although work often takes away from concentrating more on the lessons, the course presented me with immediately useful information. I intend to keep these lessons as reference material when I continue with Perl programming. ”

“ I enjoyed this course especially the writing style of the teacher. His style showed a sense of humor and made the class fun. I could see how it would be a great experience to be in his on-campus class if it was possible. I appreciated his quick response to the questions I posted. ”

“ Instructor was great. I'd love to take another of his classes. ”

“ It was a real honor to be your student this past month. I can't begin to describe how eager I am to begin writing Perl codes of my own! Your web pages have been easy to comprehend, full of powerful information, and just plain fun! I'm very glad to have had you as my instructor in learning Perl, and wouldn't have wanted anyone else. Thanks again for a wonderful course! ”

“ I've programmed computers for 40+ years in every language known to mankind (OK, almost every language ...) and was self-taught in Perl in order to do my job. This course was FANTASTIC in opening my eyes to new ways to do things, tricks and hints and in explaining things I just took on faith before enrolling here. The instructor's lessons are clear, concise, and easily readable. The quizzes and exams were not 'gimme' types, but, instead, made you think. I'm excited about the new knowledge I've added to my almost-full brain and looking forward to utilizing Perl more and more as time goes on. GREAT COURSE! ”

“ Overall, the course provided a good introduction to the topic and I would like to learn more. ”

“ This is a really well organized class. I felt that the pacing was excellent. I liked the examples and thought they demonstrated the points well. The assignments were interesting and could be extended by the student if they wanted to go further. ”

“ This is my first on-line/distance learning experience and I must say I'd do it again. It was very convenient to be able to catch up with the rest of the class even after being weeks behind. The instructor did a superb job at organizing the material, selecting the examples, and following up on the questions posted in the discussion areas. Great job, Nathan! Thanks from a very satisfied customer. ”

“ This is my first programming course in class or online in any programming language. Nevertheless, I feel that this course was presented at the right level and detail. The quizzes and assignments were often pretty challenging, but within reason and appropriate. Excellent job - amazing what you can teach online! ”